2nd August, 2025
Friday 1st August, marked an exciting milestone for our community as we took delivery of the BG coach, which will serve as our newly enlarged S&D Emporium. This acquisition comes thanks to our good friends at the S&D Trust, from whom we purchased the BG. The coach itself has a rich and interesting history, having been thoughtfully converted into their Museum Coach during their tenure at Washford. After the S&D Trust were obliged to vacate their long-established site, the coach travelled to the Watercress Line in Hampshire. There, it was hoped the BG would continue its life as a museum coach serving visitors and enthusiasts. Unfortunately, these plans could not come to fruition—a consequence, mainly, of the considerable distance from the Trust’s core base of volunteers. As a result, the coach found itself parked in a siding, shaded by trees on one side and exposed to the full force of the sun on the other, a silent relic waiting for renewed purpose. The Trust, recognising the BG’s need for a vibrant new home, were delighted to entrust it to us at Midsomer Norton. The logistics of the move were managed expertly by our haulage contractor Gareth Buscombe. On the evening prior to its travels, the BG was loaded at Alresford on the Watercress Line, ready for an early morning departure. It arrived at Midsomer Norton at around 10.00 am to a very warm welcome. The journey itself was largely uneventful, though there was a moment of unexpected excitement for a Dutch family towing their caravan; their holiday took a memorable turn as they found themselves sharing the road with a rather imposing rig turning onto the Fosse Way! Now, with the BG safely on site, we are poised to embark on the next stage of our project: preparing and transforming this wonderful coach into the heart of our new S&D Emporium. The BG will replace the CCT, providing us with a larger, more welcoming space for displays, merchandise, and model railway displays. Its generous proportions and heritage character make it the perfect centrepiece for our plans.
None of this would be possible without the steadfast support and enthusiasm of our volunteers, members, and friends. We invite anyone interested in lending a hand—whether with practical skills, creative ideas, or simply a willingness to help—to get in touch. This is a project by and for our community, and together we can create a vibrant new hub at Midsomer Norton.
As we welcome the arrival of the BG, we also mark the departure of the three grey wagons that have served as reliable storage over many years. Their contribution to our operations has been significant, providing essential support and functionality.
I would like to formally extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have played pivotal roles in the recent success of our project. Firstly, my sincere thanks go to our CME, Barrie Papworth, and our Operations Manager, Kevin Drake, for the outstanding support they have provided throughout. Their professionalism and expertise in overseeing the entire operation—from unloading the BG to successfully loading the grey wagons onto the low loader—were exemplary, and their management was instrumental in the seamless execution of this complex task. I would also like to acknowledge Chris Ross for his valued contribution as duty signaller on the day. His vigilance and dedication ensured the smooth progression of our activities. Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to Roger Hardingham, Chair of the S&D Trust, for the significant assistance given in arranging the transfer of the BG to our care. His involvement was vital to the success of this aspect of the operation. Finally, special thanks are due to Richard Bentley, Operations Manager at the Watercress Line, whose expertise and attention to detail with the associated logistics were greatly appreciated as we prepared for the transport of the BG to Midsomer Norton. Kind Regards Roger Burfitt